From escaping war to building businesses: How some Ukrainians are investing in their future in Manitoba

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Nearly 30,000 Ukrainians arrived in Manitoba through the province’s reception and welcoming centre since February 2022, according to a provincial spokesperson. More than 27,600 health cards were issued.

Neither the province or organizations... are tracking how many people have started businesses here. But [some Ukrainian migrants like] Mila Shykota, who arrived in Winnipeg following the start of the war, created the Ukrainian Guide to Winnipeg.

It's an online directory of some businesses recently started by Ukrainian newcomers as well as others that sell Ukrainian items or food.

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Vitaliy Lebezun, vice-president of Warkentin Business Solutions — which offers accounting and business consulting services — said he's fielded questions from Ukrainians who have arrived in Manitoba around topics such as starting a business and self-employment requirements.

He expects that to continue as people become more settled.

"There’s a lot of people who came and they had their own businesses, and that’s why they want to start here again," said Lebezun, who is originally from Ukraine but moved to Manitoba more than 20 years ago.

"And there’s a lot of people who maybe did not have businesses but always wanted to, and they’re going to start."

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